Hypertension and blood pressure is impacted by diet. It is well known that those looking to lower their blood pressure may reduce their sodium intake, but increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium can also lower their blood pressure. Because potassium has a diuretic effect, excess sodium is removed from the body; maintaining a diet with a high potassium to sodium ratio, can reduce blood pressure. Foods such as black beans, avocados, and bananas are rich in potassium.
Key Takeaways:
- According to scientists eating potassium rich foods could lower your blood pressure.
- A diet rich in potassium acts like a diuretic. The kidneys excrete more salt and water, which stimulates potassium excretion.
- People should strive to consume at least 4.7 grams of potassium per day. Foods high in potassium are fruits, roots, vegetables, beans and grains.
“These studies indicated that the body does a balancing act that uses sodium to maintain close control of potassium levels in the blood, which is critical to normal heart, nerve and muscle function.”
Read more: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-04/uosc-fav040517.php
